The House of Mirth is a canonical book in the genre of social satire. Wharton employs, wit, humor, and sharp societal observations to critique the norms of the early 20th-century New York upper class. She exposes the hypocrisies of upper-crust culture and society, especially the constraints placed on women and the shallowness of the pursuits of the wealthy. By portraying her characters as obsessed with the minutiae of superficial conversations and their vying for social status, Wharton makes an incisive commentary on the emptiness and pretensions of the moneyed set.
The novel might also be categorized as a novel of manners. Books in this genre focus in detail on the customs, behaviors, and conventions of a particular social class. Wharton describes their gatherings, disputes, dresses, dialogues, and interpersonal relationships with surgical precision. Like other novels of manners, The House of Mirth also emphasizes the role of etiquette and propriety. Through the ups and downs of protagonist Lily Bart’s navigation of social conventions, the novel reflects the impact of gossip, slander, and judgment on people’s lives.
The House of Mirth also belongs to the genre of psychological realism. Novels of this genre delve deep into the psyches of their characters. They attempt to show the reader the reasons for people's actions and explore the motivations that drive their choices. Through depicting the struggles, moral quandaries, and decision-making processes of Lily Bart and her companions, Wharton provides an in-depth exploration of their personalities. The novel also pays close attention to the psychological effects of societal pressure, which contribute significantly to Lily’s tragic fate.
